16 days of activism campaign launched
Activities are scheduled countrywide to raise awareness of violence against women and children.
STAFF REPORTER
The minister of gender equality, poverty eradication and social welfare, Doreen Sioka, on Thursday launched the 16 days of activism against gender-based violence (GBV).
The launch took place in Windhoek with the theme ‘Orange the World: End Violence Against Women Now’.
The minister said the colour orange symbolises a brighter future free from violence and demonstrates solidarity in the elimination of all forms of violence, where women and children are protected and cared for, a future where both the girl and boy child are encouraged and supported to complete their education and contribute to the development of the country.
“During the 16 days of activism, members of national GBV and human rights clusters jointly planned several activities to take place countrywide.
“These activities include GBV messages by national leaders, civil society, churches, traditional authorities, development partners; GBV community conversations at constituency level; dramas; panel discussions; as well as television and radio discussions,” said Sioka.
Talk about it
She added that people should have conversations on GBV-related issues in their homes, workplaces and in communities.
They should also encourage those who are suffering to seek help from the police’s GBV protection units.
“The Namibian government, through its various offices, ministries and agencies, together with its stakeholders, has implemented various initiatives, policies and programmes to address GBV.
“These include holding two national GBV conferences in 2014 and 2017, with the objectives to dialogue the situation of GBV in Namibia and to strengthen and develop strategies to effectively fight GBV,” stated Sioka.
Speaking at the same occasion, United Nations resident coordinator Sen Peng said violence against women and girls is one of the most widespread, persistent and devastating human rights violations in the world today, and remains largely unreported due to the impunity, silence, stigma and shame surrounding it.
“The adverse psychological, sexual and reproductive health consequences affect women at all stages of their lives,” said Peng.
The minister of gender equality, poverty eradication and social welfare, Doreen Sioka, on Thursday launched the 16 days of activism against gender-based violence (GBV).
The launch took place in Windhoek with the theme ‘Orange the World: End Violence Against Women Now’.
The minister said the colour orange symbolises a brighter future free from violence and demonstrates solidarity in the elimination of all forms of violence, where women and children are protected and cared for, a future where both the girl and boy child are encouraged and supported to complete their education and contribute to the development of the country.
“During the 16 days of activism, members of national GBV and human rights clusters jointly planned several activities to take place countrywide.
“These activities include GBV messages by national leaders, civil society, churches, traditional authorities, development partners; GBV community conversations at constituency level; dramas; panel discussions; as well as television and radio discussions,” said Sioka.
Talk about it
She added that people should have conversations on GBV-related issues in their homes, workplaces and in communities.
They should also encourage those who are suffering to seek help from the police’s GBV protection units.
“The Namibian government, through its various offices, ministries and agencies, together with its stakeholders, has implemented various initiatives, policies and programmes to address GBV.
“These include holding two national GBV conferences in 2014 and 2017, with the objectives to dialogue the situation of GBV in Namibia and to strengthen and develop strategies to effectively fight GBV,” stated Sioka.
Speaking at the same occasion, United Nations resident coordinator Sen Peng said violence against women and girls is one of the most widespread, persistent and devastating human rights violations in the world today, and remains largely unreported due to the impunity, silence, stigma and shame surrounding it.
“The adverse psychological, sexual and reproductive health consequences affect women at all stages of their lives,” said Peng.
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